Answer to Question 1
Treatment means the provision, coordination, or management of health care and related services among health care providers or by a health care provider with a third party; consultation between health care providers regarding a patient; or the referral of a patient from one health care provider to another. Payment encompasses the various activities of health care providers to obtain payment or be reimbursed for their services, and of a health plan to obtain premiums, fulfill their coverage responsibilities and provide benefits under the plan, and obtain or provide reimbursement for the provision of health care. Health care operations are administrative, financial, legal, and quality improvement activities of a covered entity that are necessary for the entity to run its business and to support the core functions of treatment and payment.
Answer to Question 2
HIPAA mandates a time limit of 60 days for covered entities to respond to requests for release of information or amendment requests.